On this blog, we write about the teachings and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. We also write about the Church’s response to controversial issues, like abortion and divorce. Not sure where to start? Start with the Church’s teachings or check out our Ultimate Guide to Etiquette in Orthodox Churches.
This post explains why the Orthodox pray for the dead. We also explain the tradition of blessing and eating “memorial wheat”.
On the second Sunday of Lent, the Orthodox Church commemorates our holy Father St. Gregory Palamas (1296-1359), archbishop of Thessalonica.
On the first Sunday of Great Lent, we celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy over iconoclasm, the destruction of religious icons in the Church.
In this post, we share some fun activities (one for each day of the fast) to keep your family focused during Great Lent this year.
The Sunday of Forgiveness (or Cheesefare) has two themes: the expulsion of mankind from Paradise and Forgiveness. Learn more in this post!
In this post, we share some of our favorite books about fasting in the Orthodox Tradition.
In this post, we explore the parable of the Last Judgment. We also examine the icon for this parable and explain the lessons it teaches us.
In this post, we share 40 different journaling prompts to aid you in your journey through the next major fast.
So you want to become Orthodox. But how does one go about becoming an Orthodox Christian? And what does becoming Orthodox really mean?
Orthodoxy is a way of life, not a 2-hour, once a week commitment. In this post, learn some things you can do to enrich your spiritual life.
To fight against heresy, the Church convened seven Ecumenical Councils. In this post, we explain the sacred teachings these councils protect.
Discover tips for navigating Great Lent with children, fostering love and understanding during this spiritual season.
Many Muslims and Jews (and even some Christians) claim that all three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths worship the same God. This question is more than academic;
Can Orthodox Christians use crystals? Discover the Church’s stance on crystals in spiritual practices and their significance.
It’s that time again. Time to make your New Year’s Resolution(s). But what sorts of resolutions can/should we make as Orthodox Christians?
In anticipation of the Nativity of Our Lord, we must spiritually prepare not only ourselves, but also our children for this glorious Feast!
During the course of a year, Orthodox Christians fast between 180-200 days. Diligently following the fasting guidelines of the Church can be quite an undertaking.
As Eastern Orthodox Christians, fasting is an integral part of our spiritual journey. It is not merely a dietary restriction, but a means of drawing
The holiday season brings with it many cherished traditions, several of which have become deeply embedded in contemporary culture. Among these is the widespread practice
If we are to call Thanksgiving a holiday (“holy day”), it must be more than remembering the pilgrims and gorging ourselves on roasted turkey.
***If you would like to offer prayers for living and departed, please submit two separate requests: one for the living and one for the departed.
